PENN YAN, NY (WENY) -- People who ate at a restaurant in Yates County earlier this month may have been exposed to hepatitis A, according to the county public health department.

Yates County Public Health announced announced that anyone who ate food at the Main Deck restaurant between April 4 and April 12 may have been exposed to hepatitis A. Those who may have been potentially exposed is being asked to get a free hepatitis A vaccine at an upcoming clinic.

The health department will host the free vaccine clinic on April 18, from 1PM to 7PM at the Yates County Office Building at 417 Liberty Street in Penn Yan. To register for an appointment, you can visit https://www.yatescounty.org/, or call 315-536-5160. 

The Main Deck issued a statement on its social media platforms Tuesday evening, saying it was made aware on Monday that an employee had been diagnosed with hepatitis A. 

"The health and safety of our patrons and employees is our highest priority. We are aware that our patrons may have had an exposure risk, and we are cooperating fully and transparently with the Yates County Public Health and the NYS Department of Health authorities. The NYS Department of Health conducted a thorough inspection of the restaurant yesterday afternoon and has cleared us to open," said Erin Phillips, Director of Operations in the statement. 

The potential exposure may have happened between March 27 and April 12, according to the county health department. However, those who ate at the Main Deck between March 27 and April 3 may have been exposed, but receiving a hepatitis A vaccine will not prevent infection. 

Hepatitis A spreads from contaminated food of water, or by coming in contact with someone who is infected. The virus can cause a liver infection, and includes symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. Hepatitis A is preventable by vaccine.

“While the risk of hepatitis A infection is low, we must act carefully to prevent the spread of this very contagious disease,” said Doug Sinclair, Yates County Public Health Director. “Anyone who may have eaten at this restaurant during this timeframe should check their immunization status and if not already vaccinated against hepatitis A, come to our free clinic or visit their healthcare provider if they are experiencing symptoms.”

According to the health department, most people do not get sick when a restaurant employee has hepatitis A, but there is the risk of infection.